WILMINGTON — On Wednesday the Blue Eyed Muse in downtown Wilmington closed abruptly, citing structural safety concerns. Details of a private commercial inspection revealed a range of issues, and will now be followed by an independent inspection by the New Hanover County Building Safety Department.
Related story: Wilmington’s Blue Eyed Muse closing immediately, reopen date uncertain
According to a report issued by the Wilmington Inspection Group, Damian Brezinski, operator of the Blue Eyed Muse, paid for a private commercial inspection of the building he leases at 208 Market St.
The inspection, conducted on Sept. 16 by John M. Pollard, III, showed issues with the structure, exterior and interior construction, roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating and cooling systems — as well as possible violations of handicap accessibility regulations.
Pollard said that the report was not an official inspection and that the building had not been condemned or ordered to close by any government body as the result of his inspection. Brezinski confirmed this, saying the decision was motivated by concern for staff, patrons and performers.
Structural, safety and accessibility issues at the venue
The first major point of Pollard’s inspection was possible termite damage to the foundation.
Pollard wrote in his report: “It is recommended a licensed pest inspection contractor and licensed general contractor evaluate building and advise. What appears to be wood bearing organism activity and damage was observed at 2nd floor bathrooms, back floor joist in room off of stage, and walls/attic framework on side wall that backs up to vacant lot of subject building.”
Crowd safety was also an issue. Pollard also noted the that it “(d)oes not appears fire alarms, exit lights, emergency lights and possible fire extinguishers have been properly maintained / serviced / inspected by a licensed contractor. Inspector noted (per stickers on equipment) a 2015 evaluation/inspection was the last noted inspection.”
Other issues included “non-operable toilets,” damaged or faulty grounding in the electrical wiring, lead paint and five out of nine HVAC units that were not functioning.
According to Jessica Loeper, spokeswoman for New Hanover County, the Building Safety Department will be conducting its own inspection of the building. Loeper said a report would be made available next week.
City of Wilmington Spokesman Dylan Lee said the city would not be involved unless repairs required scaffolding in the public right of way that would obstruct the sidewalk in front of the building.
According to Brezinski, the lease he holds on the building requires the owners to maintain the issues listed in the report.
The building at 208 Market St. is owned by an LLC managed by former property owners Joseph and Sally Hou. Calls to the Hou were not returned at the time this article was published, it will be updated if they provide a comment.
Note: This article originally included the original full inspection report on 208 Market St. At the request of John M. Pollard, III, it has been removed.
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